RIAA Gold LP "white matte" award for Elton John's Madman Across The Water LP, presented to Bernie Taupin. The album was released on February 14, 1972 and was very quickly certified Gold® by the RIAA on February 19, 1972 for one million dollars worth sold.
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The album, Elton's fourth studio effort, produced hits "Tiny Dancer" and "Levon" which pushed the album to #8 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart. What makes this award special is its presentation: To Elton's long-time lyricist and collaborator Bernie Taupin, who wrote the lyrics to countless Elton John classics, from the ones on this album to "Your Song" to "Rocketman (I Think It's Going To Be A Long, Long Time)" to "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" and many more.
By 1998 the album had been certified 2x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA. See image above for all the RIAA sales certifications of this album through the years*.
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Item Highlights:
- RIAA Gold LP award with white matte, gold disc, album miniature, and gold info plate
- In VG condition with some typical scratches and mars on the frame (see more detail below)
- A first presentation award from 1972
- Presented to Elton John's long-time lyricist and collaborator Bernie Taupin
- Has original back with original manufacturer's sticker and all internal components appear original
- "White matte" awards (obviously so-named due to the white matte used) were made from from 1964-1974
- RIAA white matte awards numbered only 5-25 plaques worldwide for any given single/album
- Award measures approx. 17" x 21"
- Beautiful and very rare collector's item
- FREE WORLDWIDE insured shipping on this item (see details in red above)
Detailed Item Description: This RIAA Gold LP award must have been made in 1972 given the album's certification date. All components appear correct to support this being an original, first presentation award. It features Elton John's early label, Uni Records (later acquired by MCA), and has a gold disc made by Disc Award Ltd. with its distinctive dragon logo engraved in the dead wax area (see detail image).
The award features a spectacular feature in that it is presented to legendary lyricist and Elton John creative collaborator Bernie Taupin.
The award has the correct style presentation plate reading "to commemorate more than one million dollars worth of the Uni Records long-playing record album..." etc. The wood frame appears to be the correct and original white matte-style frame.
It is 47 years old but is in very good to excellent condition, considering its age. There are a few mars and scratches on the wood frame as is expected. The presentation plate is in very good condition and the plexiglas is clear with only a few very minor scratches. The original backing paper is intact with only a very small tear or two and a New York Frame & Picture Co. sticker is present.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a coveted all-original RIAA white matte award for one of Sir Elton John's classic early releases, complete with a spectacular presentation.
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Notes on the condition of all vintage RIAA awards like this one: Please do not buy this item if you want a brand new piece of memorabilia. These are historical artifacts from the year they were produced. As a result they may show signs of wear. Frankly, if you see a 50-year-old award purported to be in 100% perfect condition, it might be too good to be true. After all, an antique should have "good' wear. If not, you might want to question the piece.
As to where they came from, they could have been displayed in record label offices, recording studios, artist manager's offices, radio stations, private collector's homes and yes, of course, possibly the artist's or songwriter's home. Typically, we don't know all the places they may have been over the years other than what we've stated in the description.
Finally, a word on photos: Our photos are zoomable so you can get a very good look. Do let us know if you want photos of any other details on our pieces and we'll be happy to provide.
*RIAA sales data source: RIAA.com